If you’re on the hunt for a quick and delicious dinner option, let me tell you about my absolute favorite—air fryer chicken tenders! These little beauties are not just easy to whip up, but they also come out perfectly crispy and juicy every single time. Trust me, you’ll adore how simple the preparation is, and the results? Wow! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these tenders are sure to impress. The air fryer locks in all that mouthwatering flavor while keeping things light and healthy. Seriously, once you try these air fryer chicken tenders, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for that perfect crunch!)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (to help the coating stick)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (for binding the breadcrumbs)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds a lovely flavor)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for a bit of warmth and color)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this step!)
How to Prepare Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, let’s get that air fryer preheating! Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps to get that gorgeous golden brown color on your chicken tenders. Trust me, you want that crispy exterior!
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Now, it’s time to create your breading station. Grab three bowls and line them up like a little assembly line. In the first bowl, add the flour. The second bowl will be for the beaten eggs—make sure they’re nice and mixed! And in the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This way, you’ll have everything ready to go, and it’ll make the process smooth and easy.
Step 3: Breading the Chicken
Let’s get to the fun part—coating those chicken strips! Take a chicken strip and first dip it into the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, shake off any excess flour before dipping it into the beaten eggs. Finally, roll it in that delicious breadcrumb mixture until it’s fully coated. I like to give it a gentle press to ensure the breadcrumbs really stick! Repeat this for all your chicken strips, and you’ll have a lovely tray of breaded goodness.
Step 4: Cooking the Chicken Tenders
Once your tenders are all breaded, it’s time to cook! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer—don’t crowd them! Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re a beautiful golden brown and cooked through. The aroma wafting through your kitchen? Absolutely irresistible!
Step 5: Serving Suggestions
Now for the best part—serving! These chicken tenders are fantastic on their own, but I love to pair them with my favorite dipping sauces. Think honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a zesty ranch dressing. You can also throw in some fresh veggies or a crunchy salad on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy every crispy, juicy bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of these delightful air fryer chicken tenders. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 25g
With this combination, you’re getting a satisfying meal that’s packed with protein and flavor, without all the extra calories. Perfect for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, if you can dip and coat, you can make these! The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthier Option: By using the air fryer, you get that crispy texture without all the oil. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy chicken tenders!
- Kid-Approved: These tenders are usually a hit with the little ones. They love the crunch, and you’ll love knowing they’re eating something wholesome!
- Flavor Packed: With the garlic powder and paprika, each bite is bursting with flavor. You won’t miss the deep-fried version, I promise!
- Quick Cooking Time: In just about 12 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked tenders ready to devour. It’s faster than ordering takeout!
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative! You can spice things up with different seasonings or try different dipping sauces to keep things exciting.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These tenders store well and can be reheated for a quick lunch or dinner option throughout the week.
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your air fryer chicken tenders turn out perfectly every time! Here are some of my favorite pro tips to elevate your cooking game:
- Don’t Skip the Preheat: I know it’s tempting to skip this step, but preheating your air fryer is crucial for that deliciously crispy texture. It ensures the tenders cook evenly and get that gorgeous golden color!
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an even crunchier coating, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They add an extra layer of texture that’s simply divine!
- Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with different spices! A dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder can add some heat, while Italian seasoning can bring in a herby flavor that’s fantastic.
- Cooking Spray Magic: Lightly spraying the chicken tenders with cooking spray before air frying can enhance the crispiness. Just a quick spritz will do!
- Check for Doneness: Always check that your chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. If you have a meat thermometer, it’s a great tool to have on hand!
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the tenders rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices and keeps them moist!
- Batch Cooking: If you’re making a big batch, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. This way, each tender gets the love it deserves for that perfect crisp!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to making the best air fryer chicken tenders ever! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a delicious batch of air fryer chicken tenders and now you’ve got some leftovers—let’s talk about how to store and reheat them so they stay just as tasty as when they were fresh!
First off, to store your chicken tenders, let them cool down completely. Once they’re at room temperature, place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them! Just wrap each tender tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Now, when it comes to reheating, you’ve got a couple of options. The best way to bring back that crispy texture is to use the air fryer again. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the tenders for about 5-7 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This will get them nice and warm while keeping that fabulous crunch!
If you don’t have an air fryer handy, you can also use an oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C), place the tenders on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-15 minutes, turning them once to ensure even heating.
Just a little heads up—microwaving can make them a bit soggy, so I’d suggest avoiding that method if you can. But if you’re in a pinch, just pop them in for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, and they’ll be edible, if not quite as crispy.
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your air fryer chicken tenders for days to come. Happy munching!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken breast, just make sure to thaw it completely before cutting it into strips and breading. This way, you’ll get that perfect texture and flavor!
How do I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?
No problem at all! Simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs and flour for gluten-free alternatives. There are plenty of delicious gluten-free breadcrumbs available, and almond flour or coconut flour can work well as substitutes too!
What dipping sauces work best with these tenders?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing them with classic honey mustard or tangy barbecue sauce. Ranch dressing is also a fan favorite, but feel free to experiment with your favorites—spicy sriracha or a creamy garlic dip would be amazing too!
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! You can bread the chicken tenders in advance and store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just keep in mind that storing them for too long might affect the crispiness once they’re cooked.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are done?
Great question! The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer—you’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, just make sure the tenders are golden brown and, when cut, the juices run clear.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs can add a bit more flavor and juiciness to your tenders. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re thicker than the chicken breasts.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can still achieve crispy chicken tenders by baking them in the oven. Just preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How long will leftovers last?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, your leftover chicken tenders will stay good for about 3 days. Just follow the reheating tips I shared earlier to enjoy them again!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear what you think about these air fryer chicken tenders! If you try the recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out for you. Did you make any creative tweaks? What dipping sauces did you pair them with? Your feedback means the world to me, and it helps others discover this delicious recipe too!
If you enjoyed this recipe, why not share it with your friends and family on social media? Tag me in your posts, and let’s spread the love for these crispy, juicy tenders! And don’t forget to rate the recipe—your support helps keep this little blog going and inspires me to share more tasty creations with you. Happy cooking!
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore Them
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy and juicy air fryer chicken tenders that are easy to make and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken strip in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray before air frying.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner
